The Sepilok and Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre night walk is a way to experience life in the jungle after dark. As the sun sets many animals are just getting lively, the nocturnal species that appear will not disappoint and will put on a show for visitors in the park.
Alongside red light and knowledgeable guides you will embark on a hike around the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. With animals such as flying squirrels, tarantulas, scorpions and tarsiers there are plenty of species to see.
Below we share the cost, how to book, what to bring and everything else you need to know about the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre night walk.
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Where Is The Rainforest Discovery Centre?
Sepilok is a small town located in the area of Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah is a state in Northern Borneo and is described as a natural playground. For the adventurous traveller there is the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Mount Kinabalu.
The Bornean Rainforest Discovery Centre can be found in Sepilok which is a small town in the east of Sabah, near the main town of Sandakan. Nestled between palm oil plantations and immaculate rainforest the town stands strong as one of the last frontiers protecting the natural world.
Rainforest Discovery Centre Night Walk: What To Expect
The night walk starts at 6pm at the main gates and takes roughly 2 hours. Prior booking is essential, see below for more details.
You will be split into groups of around 7 and be given a local guide. These guides are a wealth of knowledge and also have the skill to spot many camouflaged animals that we would have no doubt missed if we were alone.
The RDC may in fact be more interesting after dark, there are so many species that can be seen. Just after dusk one of the most impressive animals to see appears, the red giant flying squirrels. They glide silently above as the sun finishes setting in the background, truly magical to see and a great way to start our walk.
Interestingly, the flying squirrels don’t actually fly, they glide. Using a membrane of skin that connects their front and back legs they can manoeuvre themselves through the air. 14 different species of flying squirrel can be seen in Borneo and two giant species, black and red can be seen at the RDC.
As you walk around the park your guide will point out various insects and reptiles with his torch. We were told this specific walk was one of the first in the area using red light. Red light is preferred by ecologists and guides as it preserves our night vision making it easier to see in the dark and it minimises the disruption to the animals.
If you’re lucky you may spot some of the more elusive animals in the park such as the Bornean Tarsier or Ghost Monkey which is Borneo’s smallest primate or inside a tree a hidden scorpion.
Animals to look out for:
- Flying Squirrels
- Western Tarsier
- Slow Loris
- Civets
- Mousedeer
- Glowing Worms
- Lantern Bugs
- Tarantulas
- Scorpions
- Sunda Scops-Owl
- Oriental Bay Owl
- Moonrat
Tip: Flash photography is not allowed for smaller, sensitive animals
🗺️ Your Ultimate Borneo Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Borneo. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
RDC Jungle Night Walk Common Questions
Rainforest Discovery Centre Night Walk Fee
You pay the fee (cash only) when you turn up for your night walk.
Malaysian residents
- Adult RM7.00
- Children (5-17 yrs) RM3.00
Non-residents
- Adult RM30.00
- Children (5-17 yrs) RM20.00
Private Group
Up to 5 people RM350
How To Book A Night Walk At The Rainforest Discovery Centre
We recommend booking in advance as the night walk is an extremely popular activity and there are only limited spaces. To book in advance you can message the RDC on social media or call their number to book a space.
You can also book at their ticket office during opening hours, however places go fast so there is not always guaranteed space on the walk.
What To Bring For A Jungle Night Walk
- Torch
- Water Bottle
- Raincoat
- Camera
Are There Other Night Walks in Sepilok?
During our stay at Sepilok Jungle Resort they offered a night walk from the accommodation at 7pm. This is a great alternative if there is no space on the RDC walk. The night walk is free if you book at least two nights directly on their website.
How To Get To The Sepilok RDC
Once you’ve arrived in Sepilok, your hotel should be able to arrange a transfer or you can book your own taxi via the Grab app.
Alternatively you could walk, especially if your accommodation is close by. We stayed at The Sepilok B&B, which was a nice and quiet hotel with dorm rooms available just a 5 minute walk from the Rainforest Discovery Centre. We also recommend Sepilok Jungle Resort which has a small lake on-site, perfect for early morning and evening wildlife watching, also only a 10 minute walk from the Orangutan Sanctuary & Sun Bear Centres.
How To Get To Sepilok
Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Sepilok
Like most people arriving in Sabah, we also started our journey from KK. There are two main ways to travel to Sepilok, the first is via an internal flight to Sandakan. The flight takes roughly 45 minutes and costs as little as £25 plus baggage. You can find low price flights for this route on Trip.com
Then from Sandakan to Sepilok, you can follow the section below, by getting a private car or bus. Taking a flight is definitely the more expensive option but also much more time efficient.
The second way, and the way we chose, was to get an 8 hour bus across Borneo, much more suited to couples who are on a budget. The bus passes through the Mount Kinabalu National Park so provides some impressive views, it also shows you the vast scale of the never ending Palm Oil Plantations that have taken over Sabah. Book Your Bus Here With Easy Book.
From Sandakan
The first option to get from Sandakan to Sepilok is a bus that leaves four times a day and takes around 40 minutes costing RM4 per person. The bus will drop you directly outside the orangutan centre. Another option is a private car for RM50 or a grab for RM25.
Alternatively you can book a Full Day Tour From Sandakan to eliminate any hassle.
Sandakan To Sepilok Times
9:30, 11:30, 14:00, 17:00
Sepilok To Sandakan Times
6:30, 10:30, 12:30, 16:00
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia. We also used Easybook in Borneo
Alternatively if you’re travelling in a group or a family, it would make more sense to book a private car to get from Sandakan to Sepilok.
Discover The Best Time To Visit Borneo
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
Sepilok town sits on the edge of the Sabah Jungle Reserve and acts as a gateway to the Rainforest; it is also home to some of Borneo’s Conservation efforts to protect the exceptional wildlife and educate us on the threats to their habitat. Sepilok is a small town with only a handful of accommodation options meaning we advise you to book in advance.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
$ Budget
Sepilok B&B
Located near the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok B&B is in a a prime location. With both private rooms and shared dorms this is a great place for solo travellers or couples.
$$ Mid-Range
Sepilok Jungle Resort
A top choice for families with a large swimming pool and delicious onsite restaurant. Sepilok Jungle Resort is close to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
$$$ High-End
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Situated on the edge of the jungle, the property is surrounded by nature. You can choose between a private room or a bed in a shared dorm plus there is a plunge pool and restaurant.
Spacing
Top Things To Do In Sepilok
Top Pick: Rainforest Discovery Centre
A bridge between human civilisation and the dense Bornean jungle, home to some of the last wild orangutans left on planet earth, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok is a true gem and a must visit on your trip to Borneo.
Best Experience: Orangutan Sanctuary
On the edge of the Sabah rainforest reserve in Sepilok, you can find the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In our eyes, an ethical centre that helps reintroduce Orangutans to the jungle.
Most Educational : Sun Bear Conservation Centre
In the middle of the Bornean Jungle lies a Conservation Centre for the world’s smallest and cutest bear, the Sun Bear.
Off The Beaten Track: Head to Tungog Eco Camp
Fancy an adventure? Head deep into the jungle and find on the banks of the Kinabatangan River the Tungog Eco Camp. Spend your days on the river looking for wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, trekking in the jungle and uncovering hidden caves.
Essential Items You Need For Borneo
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Binoculars To Spot The Wonderful Wildlife
You’re most likely heading to Borneo for the wildlife. Don’t miss out on seeing these amazing animals up close and pack a good pair of binoculars!
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Borneo
If you’re visiting Borneo, here’s our top tips:
- Try Nasi Lemak – The national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is fresh grated coconut and steamed rice served on banana leaves.
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… Also don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags.
- Don’t skip the Kinabatangan River – It may be pricey but this is where you’re going to see most of Borneo’s wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
- Dress for the jungle – Pack long sleeve, lightweight materials that cover you from mosquitos but will also keep you cool. Don’t forget your Raincoat as tropical downpours are frequent.
Final Thoughts on The Night Walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre
This is an activity in Sepilok that shouldn’t be missed! Make sure you book ahead and secure your place to experience the rainforest at night. The atmosphere is completely different than during the day and you’ll get a unique experience to observe some of the world’s most elusive animals such as the Bornean Tarsier. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share what their country has to offer. We highly recommend the RDC night walk for your time in Borneo.
